GENDER DISCOURSE AND STEREOTYPES IN THE BOOK „LIFE IN A MATCHBOX“ BY FATOS KONGOLI
Kaltrina SADIKI-MEMETI, Albulena DEHARI
Abstract
Albanian literature after the ‘90s is characterized with a big thematic change where in the center of attention is placed in the existence of the man in a society that is transforming very fast. Fatos Kongoli is one of the authors that has talked about this reality. His novel “Life in a matchbox” is one of his books that represents this reality clearly by touching some themes that are linked with the transformation of life and time and is one of the most important novels of the contemporary Albanian literature.
In this paper we will analyze two aspects of the Kongol’s novel, gender discourse and stereotypes that the characters have in this novel. In this work, the author intertwines a deep and distinctly existential narrative discourse, where the story of the main characters evolves into a reflection on loneliness, absurdity, and human failure—especially that of the Albanian individual during the period of transition. The introspective and non-linear narration presents the inner world of the characters, who are often confronted with a crisis of identity.
The characters’ discourse is filled with language that is both philosophical and psychological, clearly revealing their inner state. They are uncertain even about themselves and the lives they are living. Kongoli’s characters are individuals burdened with stereotypes. The circumstances and the reality they experience pushes them toward a difficult life, where fear and hesitation toward others become central. Their encounters with “the other” who may differ in gender, age, social status, family status, or relationship to power lead them to form stereotypes. Thus, in the eyes of the characters, “the other” is always labeled, along with predetermined attitudes on how one is supposed to behave toward them.
Pages: 88 - 93